Warren County public meetings in 2024

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a space needs assessment and updates to the county's strategic plan and economic development incentive policy. The session includes reviews of proposed ordinances regarding deadly weapons and pornography, as well as infrastructure updates for broadband and emergency radios.

• Space Needs Assessment update with Wooten Company
• Proposed Deadly Weapons Ordinance
• Proposed Pornography Policy
• Roads Improvement Program request from Lyons Creek Estate
• Emergency Services radio upgrades

The Warren County Board of Commissioners held a work session on December 18, 2024, where they approved a policy prohibiting pornography on county networks and devices. They also discussed several items to be brought to the January 6, 2025 regular meeting, including an opioid settlement resolution amendment, economic development incentive policy updates, a deadly weapons ordinance, and emergency services radio upgrades. The Board agreed to seek a cost estimate for a roads improvement request from Lyons Creek Estate.

• Approved Resolution Adopting a Policy to Prohibit Viewing of Pornography on County Networks and Devices (unanimous)
• Agreed to seek cost estimate for Lyons Creek Estate Roads Improvement Program request
• Discussed Space Needs Assessment results; to be sent to department heads for feedback
• Discussed opioid settlement resolution amendment; to be brought to January 6, 2025 meeting
• Discussed Strategic Plan close-out with Hayes Group
• Discussed Historic Jail MOU; awaiting structural engineer assessment
• Discussed Economic Development Incentive Policy updates; to be brought to January 6, 2025 meeting
• Discussed restricting Triangle North Revenue for Economic Development; funds to be included in FY26 budget requests

General

The Board of Commissioners will swear in two new members and conduct an organizational meeting to elect leadership and appoint key county officers. The board will also consider the expenditure of opioid settlement funds and the 2025 revaluation schedule of values.

• Swearing in of Angelena Kearney Dunlap (District 1) and Al Cooper, Jr. (District 5)
• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board
• Appointment of County Attorney, Clerk to the Board, Finance Officer, and Deputy Tax Collectors
• Consideration of a revised resolution for the expenditure of opioid settlement funds
• Consideration of the Schedule of Values for the 2025 Revaluation

The Warren County Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting, electing Angelena Kearney Dunlap as Chair and Victor Hunt as Vice-Chair, and re-appointing key county staff including the County Attorney, Clerk, and Finance Officer. The Board also approved leaving $400,000 in matching funds with NCDIT for future broadband expansion and approved the Schedule of Values for the 2025 Revaluation.

• Elected Angelena Kearney Dunlap as Chair of the Board of Commissioners (5 votes)
• Elected Victor Hunt as Vice-Chair of the Board of Commissioners (3-2)
• Re-appointed Shiekel Richardson as County Attorney (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Paula Pulley as Clerk to the Board and Monique Hinton as Deputy Clerk (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Nikki Dickerson as Finance Officer (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Alma Jane Wilson, Cherrina Neville, Joanna Dickerson, Yvonne Sharps, and Karen Towns as Deputy Tax Collectors (unanimous)
• Designated First Citizens Bank & Trust, Truist Bank, and NC Capital Management Trust as county depositories (unanimous)
• Approved leaving $400,000 in matching funds with NCDIT for future broadband expansion (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on the 2025 revaluation schedule of values and proposed zoning amendments. The zoning changes would introduce landscaping requirements for new commercial construction in Lakeside and Neighborhood Business districts and reduce required retail parking spaces.

• Proposed zoning amendment to require site and landscaping plans for new commercial construction
• Proposed reduction of retail parking requirements from 1 space per 200 sq ft to 1 space per 300 sq ft
• Write-off of EMS delinquent and uncollectible accounts totaling $3,776,900
• Contract with Stewart for Zoning Ordinance Review and Unified Development Ordinance not to exceed $95,000
• Opioid Settlement Project Ordinance in the amount of $188,084.76

The Board of Commissioners approved several financial and administrative items, including a $3.7 million write-off of uncollectible EMS accounts and an amendment to the county zoning ordinance regarding landscaping and parking. The Board also approved the 2025 meeting and holiday schedules, appointed members to the Tourism Development Authority, and authorized a $95,000 contract for a Unified Development Ordinance.

• Approved $3,776,900 write-off of delinquent EMS accounts (unanimous)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendments for landscaping and parking (unanimous)
• Approved $95,000 contract with Stewart for Unified Development Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved $188,084.76 Opioid Settlement Project Ordinance (unanimous)
• Appointed Michael Hawkins as Tourism Development Authority Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Clara Williams to Tourism Development Authority Board (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Board meeting and holiday schedules (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Personnel Manual policies (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss proposed design requirements for new construction and significant improvements in Lakeside Business and Neighborhood Business districts. The proposal includes mandatory landscaping plans and a reduction in required parking spaces for retail stores. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant funding.

• Proposed landscaping requirements for Lakeside Business and Neighborhood Business districts
• Proposed retail parking change from one space per 200 sq ft to one space per 300 sq ft
• Bid from Gupton Services for Health Department roof insulation and membrane for $89,125
• Public hearing and resolution for Community Development Block Grant - Neighborhood Revitalization Funding
• Proposed creation of a Warren County S-Line Working Group with Town of Norlina and Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Warren County Board of Commissioners held a work session on October 16, 2024, approving a resolution to apply for Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization funding and a $89,125 bid from Gupton Services for Health Department roof insulation and membrane work. Several items were discussed and tabled or deferred to the November 4 regular meeting, including HR policy updates, landscaping design requirements, and a request to restrict Triangle North revenues. No public comments were made during the CDBG public hearing.

• Approved resolution for CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization funding application (unanimous)
• Approved $89,125 bid from Gupton Services for Health Department roof insulation and membrane (unanimous)
• Tabled request to restrict Triangle North regional revenues pending Economic Development Commission input
• Deferred HR policy updates to November 4 regular meeting
• Deferred landscaping design requirements to November 4 regular meeting
• Deferred fire department contract audit requirement change to November 4 regular meeting
• Held CDBG public hearing with no citizen comments
• Entered closed session for personnel matters

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will consider a budget amendment to reallocate unspent funds and approve ordinances for the Hwy 1 Industrial Site and EMS Station #4. The meeting also includes updates on broadband, personnel, and a citizen comment period.

• Consider Approval of Budget Amendment #1 to the FY25 Budget
• Consider Approval of Hwy 1 Industrial Site Project Ordinance in the Amount of $752,500
• Consider Approval of EMS Station #4 Project Ordinance in the Amount of $92,250
• Consider Approval of Purchase of Ambulance from CW Williams & Co., LLC at a Cost Not to Exceed $312,118
• Consider Approval of 5 Year Contract with US Cellular for Sheriff's Office Body Cameras in an Amount Not to Exceed $82,818.45

The Warren County Board of Commissioners appointed Crystal Smith as County Manager at an annual salary of $124,000 and approved Malana Williams as Senior Center Director. The Board also approved FY25 budget amendments, project ordinances for the Hwy 1 Industrial Site and EMS Station #4, and several equipment purchases including an ambulance and E911 communication upgrades. A decision to write off $3,776,900 in delinquent EMS accounts was tabled until November.

• Approved appointment of Crystal Smith as County Manager at an annual salary of $124,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #1 to the FY25 Budget in three parts (unanimous)
• Approved Hwy 1 Industrial Site Project Ordinance in the amount of $752,500 (unanimous)
• Approved EMS Station #4 Project Ordinance in the amount of $92,250 (unanimous)
• Tabled writing off $3,776,900 in delinquent EMS accounts until the November meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Warren County E911 Communication Upgrade from Carolina Recording Systems for $85,330 (unanimous)
• Approved seeking services for Zoning Ordinance Updates in an amount not to exceed $100,000 (unanimous)
• Appointed Dr. Robert Stewart and Melissa Richardson to the Health Board (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on a zoning map amendment for 14.54 acres at 1327 NC Hwy 903 South. The proposal seeks to rezone the property from Lakeside Business to Neighborhood Business to allow for automobile and boat sales. The Planning Board previously recommended approval.

• Public hearing for rezoning Parcel Map #K3C 154 from (LB) to (NB)
• Approval of September 2024 Preparedness Month Proclamation
• Review of Statement of Interest Forms for Warren County Tourism Development Authority
• Consideration of land purchase for EMS Satellite Station #4
• Approval of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation

The Board of Commissioners approved a zoning map amendment for Parcel K3C 154 from Lakeside Business to Neighborhood Business, allowing vehicle service use. They also approved the purchase of 2 acres for EMS Station 4 for up to $80,000, participation in the CAB Grant Round 2, and appointments to the Tourism Development Authority. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved zoning map amendment for Parcel K3C 154 from LB to NB (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2 acres for EMS Station 4, not to exceed $80,000 (unanimous)
• Approved participation in CAB Grant Round 2 with Stop-Gap funding as match (unanimous)
• Appointed Victoria Lehman and Michael Hawkins to Tourism Development Authority (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed commitment to convey up to 30 acres for Vance Granville CC Transportation Training Hub (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Angelena Kearney Dunlap, Brady Martin, Jim Whitley to RTRP Board (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of six prior meetings (unanimous)
• Approved proclamations for Preparedness Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will convene a special meeting to discuss personnel matters related to the selection of a county manager. The session will begin immediately upon convening and is held in accordance with state law.

• Closed session for personnel matters
• Discussion of Warren County Manager selection
• Meeting at Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158 Business E.

The Board held a special meeting and reconvened on August 30, 2024. The sessions were primarily conducted in closed session to discuss personnel matters related to the selection of a Warren County Manager.

• Approved suggested agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for County Manager selection personnel matters (unanimous)
• Recessed meeting until August 30, 2024 (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will convene a regular meeting at the Armory Civic Center to adopt the agenda and discuss personnel matters regarding the selection of a county manager in a closed session.

• Adopt suggested agenda
• Closed session for manager selection
• Return to open session
• Adjournment

The Warren County Board of Commissioners met on August 21, 2024, and approved the suggested agenda unanimously. The board then entered a closed session for personnel matters related to selecting a county manager, returned to open session, and adjourned. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved suggested agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for county manager selection (unanimous)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss several infrastructure projects and a school bus lease-purchase agreement. The meeting includes a presentation from KARTS and decisions on funding for local utility and transportation improvements.

• Bridge 126 Project Ordinance in the amount of $1,043,112.00
• Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension Project Ordinance in the amount of $400,000.00
• Lease-purchase of activity buses for Warren County Schools totaling up to $307,495.65 over 5 fiscal years
• Presentation from KARTS - Randy Cantor

The Board of Commissioners approved the suggested agenda, a resolution for lease-purchases of activity buses for Warren County Schools, a $400,000 Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension Project Ordinance, and a $1,043,112 Bridge 126 Project Ordinance. Randy Cantor also presented information on KARTS services and costs.

• Approved suggested agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution to Approve Lease-Purchase of Activity Buses for Warren County Schools (unanimous)
• Approved Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension Project Ordinance in the amount of $400,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Bridge 126 Project Ordinance in the amount of $1,043,112 (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will convene a Special Meeting to discuss personnel matters, specifically related to the selection of a Warren County Manager. The meeting will be held in closed session immediately upon convening.

• Closed session for personnel matters
• Discussion of Warren County Manager selection
• Meeting at Warren County Armory Civic Center

The Warren County Board of Commissioners met on August 20, 2024, and approved the agenda. The board then entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters related to the selection of a county manager, and later returned to open session. No substantive decisions were made in open session, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved suggested agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for county manager selection (unanimous)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will meet to adopt the agenda, hear citizen comments, and consider several action items including EPA grant applications, the purchase of vehicles for the sheriff's office, and contracts for fire and school resource officers.

• EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant application for $500,000
• EPA Community Change Grant application for up to $20,000,000
• Purchase of Chevrolet Silverado for sheriff's office not to exceed $51,328
• Purchase of two Ford Explorers for sheriff's office not to exceed $83,045.60
• Contract for School Resource Officers with Warren County Schools not to exceed $190,000

The Board of Commissioners approved multiple grant applications, including a $20 million EPA Community Change Grant and a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant. They also approved contracts for fire services, EMS equipment, and school resource officers, among other items. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved EPA Community Change Grant application for up to $20,000,000 (unanimous)
• Approved EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant application for $500,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Great Trails State Program grant application for $100,000 with $25,000 local match (unanimous)
• Approved Stryker EMS equipment rental agreement totaling $3,267,950.58 over 10 years (unanimous)
• Approved fire service contracts with multiple VFDs (unanimous)
• Approved paid firefighter contracts with 10 VFDs at $33,333.34 each (unanimous)
• Approved School Resource Officer MOU and contract with Warren County Schools (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three vehicles for Sheriff's Office totaling $134,373.60 (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding the establishment of a Tourism Development Authority and a rezoning request for Parcel K3C 155A. The agenda also includes consideration of community center design contracts and appointments for new department directors.

• Rezoning request for Parcel K3C 155A from Residential to Lakeside Business
• Community Center design contract with CPL Architects & Engineers, PC up to $134,350
• Appointment of Courtney Lockey as Animal Control Director at $50,233 annually
• Appointment of Mark Bloomer as Planning/Zoning Director at $74,915 annually
• Resolution authorizing the execution of the Kroger Opioid Settlement

The Board of Commissioners established a Tourism Development Authority and approved a rezoning request for parcel K3C 155A from Residential to Lakeside Business. The Board also authorized funding for community center design and approved two new director appointments.

• Established Warren County Tourism Development Authority (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of parcel K3C 155A from Residential to Lakeside Business (unanimous)
• Approved $134,350 for Community Center Site Feasibility and Design Work by CPL Architects & Engineers, PC (unanimous)
• Approved FY24 Audit Contract with Winston, Williams, Creech, Evans and Company, LLP not to exceed $110,000 (unanimous)
• Approved execution of Kroger Opioid Settlement and Supplemental Agreement (unanimous)
• Appointed Courtney Lockey as Animal Control Director at $50,233 annual salary (unanimous)
• Appointed Mark Bloomer as Planning/Zoning Director at $74,915 annual salary (unanimous)
• Approved Warren County Memorial Library 2024-2028 High-Level Strategic Plan (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the establishment of the Ebony Fire Service District and its associated property tax levy. The agenda also includes consideration of the FY25 Budget Ordinance and updates to employee pay rates.

• Establishment of Ebony Fire Service District and property tax levy
• Adoption of the FY25 Budget Ordinance
• Approval of Budget Amendment #6 to the FY24 Budget Ordinance
• Land purchase for Land Clearing Inert Debris (LCID) buffer requirement
• Update to Section 5-8 regarding pay rates for promotions, demotions, and reclassification

The Warren County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the establishment of the Ebony Fire Service District, which includes an annual property tax levy for its maintenance. The board also adopted the FY25 Budget Ordinance and approved a budget amendment for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the board voted to separate the Community Services department into distinct Parks & Recreation and Senior Center departments.

• Approved Resolution Establishing Ebony Fire Service District (unanimous)
• Adopted FY25 Budget Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #6 to FY24 Budget (unanimous)
• Approved Land Purchase Option 2 for LCID Buffer Requirement (unanimous)
• Separated Community Services into Parks & Recreation and Senior Center (unanimous)
• Approved Update to Personnel Manual Section 5-8 Pay Rates (unanimous)
• Entered Closed Session for Personnel Matters (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The meeting also includes consideration of board re-appointments and a discussion on a zoning map amendment for Parcel # K3C 155A.

• Public Hearing for the FY25 Budget
• Re-appointment of Jeff Zimmer to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council
• Re-appointment of Randall Robinson and Julia Torain to the Zoning Board of Adjustments
• Approval of a Public Comment Policy for Board of Commissioners meetings
• Discussion on zoning map amendment for Parcel # K3C 155A from Residential to Lakeside Business

The Board approved a new Public Comment Policy for meetings and re-appointed members to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council and the Zoning Board of Adjustments. A public hearing for the FY25 Budget was held with no citizen comments. A zoning map amendment for Parcel # K3C 155A was deferred to July 1, 2024.

• Approved Public Comment Policy for Board of Commissioners Meetings (unanimous)
• Appointed Jeff Zimmer to Lake Gaston Weed Control Council for a third three-year term (unanimous)
• Appointed Randall Robinson and Julia Torain to second three-year terms on the Zoning Board of Adjustments (unanimous)
• Deferred action on Zoning Map Amendment of Parcel # K3C 155A to July 1, 2024

General

The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss the FY25 budget. The meeting also includes a closed session for personnel matters.

• FY25 budget discussion
• Closed session for personnel matters

The Board held a work session to discuss the proposed FY25 budget and a recent compensation study. Finance Officer Nikki Dickerson reported $4 million in savings from the FY24 budget. The Board made several recommendations for the FY25 budget process, including salary adjustments and facility needs.

• Adopted the FY25 Budget Work Session Agenda (unanimous)
• Entered and exited Closed Session for personnel matters (unanimous)
• Recommended following Phase I and II of the Compensation Study with a 3% COLA
• Recommended researching software to digitize Department of Social Services records
• Recommended including a paid firefighter for each station pending a funding committee
• Recommended researching a storage unit for the Sheriff's Office

General

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to levy a 5% occupancy tax. The board will also review a water tower lease renewal and a local water supply plan.

• Public hearing and proposed resolution for a 5% occupancy tax
• Verizon water tower lease agreement renewal
• Adoption of Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) for NCDEQ
• Appointment of Dr. Kara Henderson to the Economic Development Commission
• Re-appointment of Candace White to the Warren County Board of Health

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to levy a 5% occupancy tax on short-term rentals in Warren County, following a public hearing where several residents and the Economic Development Commission chair spoke in support. The board also approved a Verizon water tower lease renewal, a local water supply plan, routine tax and minutes items, and two board appointments. A request for district voting for commissioner seats and a forensic audit was raised during citizen comments but no action was taken. The county manager position remains posted with applications received.

• Approved 5% occupancy tax resolution (unanimous)
• Approved Verizon Water Tower Lease Agreement Renewal (unanimous)
• Approved Local Water Supply Plan for NCDEQ (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 6, May 8, and May 22 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved April 2024 Tax Collector's Report (unanimous)
• Approved tax release requests over and under $100 (unanimous)
• Appointed Dr. Kara Henderson to Economic Development Commission, term July 1, 2024–June 30, 2027 (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Candace White to Board of Health, term June 1, 2024–May 31, 2027 (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. No other substantive items are listed for decision or discussion.

• FY25 proposed budget discussion

The Board discussed the FY25 Proposed Budget, noting that the current allocation would reduce the fund balance to 29%, which is below the required 30% policy. No final budget decisions were made during the session.

• Approved suggested agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled Budget Work Session and Closed Session for June 3, 2024
• Scheduled Budget Public Hearing for June 10, 2024

General

The Board of Commissioners will meet to receive a presentation on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as the adoption of the agenda and conflict of interest disclosures.

• FY25 Proposed Budget presentation

The Warren County Board of Commissioners adopted the suggested agenda and adjourned. Interim County Manager Crystal Smith and Finance Director Nikki Dickerson presented an overview of the FY25 Proposed Budget. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded in these minutes.

• Adopted suggested agenda
• Presented overview of FY25 Proposed Budget
• Adjourned meeting

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on two zoning map amendments. The body is also considering a budget amendment and the approval of a compensation plan phase.

• Rezoning of parcels B5 29, B5 101A, B5 30, B5 31, B5 32, B5 32A, B5 32B from Agriculture Residential to Light Industrial
• Rezoning of parcel K3C 155A from Residential to Lakeside Business
• Budget Amendment #5 including $63,880 for May 2024 second primary expenses
• Resolution formally apologizing for the 1921 lynching of Plummer Bullock and Alfred Williams
• Approval of Phase II of Compensation Plan

The Board approved rezoning several parcels to light industrial and authorized design and engineering work for a farmers market. Other actions included approving a compensation plan phase and a formal apology for 1921 lynchings.

• Approved rezoning parcels B5 29, B5 101A, B5 30, B5 31, B5 32, and B5 32A to Light Industrial (unanimous)
• Approved $293,050 agreement with The Wooten Company for farmers market design and engineering (unanimous)
• Approved Phase II of the Compensation Plan effective July 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution formally apologizing for the 1921 lynching of Plummer Bullock and Alfred Williams (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #5 to the FY24 Budget Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization application (unanimous)
• Approved resolution for surplus property disposal via online auction (unanimous)
• Appointed Charla Duncan to Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board and Cathy Alston-Kearney to Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a proposed implementation of a compensation study to adjust employee salaries. Additionally, staff is proposing an application for Community Development Block Grant funds to support residential housing rehabilitation.

• Implementation of compensation study: $150,519 for minimum salary adjustments effective May 1
• Implementation of compensation study: up to $278,854 for longevity-based equity adjustments effective July 1
• CDBG application for housing rehabilitation with a maximum grant award of $950,000
• Update on Fire Association Paid Firefighter compensation

The Board of Commissioners approved Phase I of a compensation study to bring specific positions up to suggested minimums. Other items regarding housing grants and fire department funding were deferred to the May 6 regular meeting.

• Approved Phase I compensation study adjustments not to exceed $150,519 effective May 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Agreed to place CDBG housing rehabilitation application on May 6 agenda
• Agreed to place Phase II compensation study implementation on May 6 agenda
• Deferred Fire Tax Rate Proposal to May 6 meeting for further discussion

General

The body is discussing updates on the Farmers Market project, the opioid settlement funding process, and ARPA funds. The meeting includes a review of construction costs and design services for the Farmers Market and a timeline for awarding opioid settlement funds.

• Proposed $1,730,803 cost for Farmers Market sitework, pavilion, and restrooms at 429 W. Ridgeway Street
• Request for $293,050 for Wooten Company design and pre-design services
• Opioid settlement total of $1,239,023 with approximately $70,000 available yearly
• Allocation of $35,000 each for early intervention, addiction treatment, criminal justice diversion, and recovery support services
• Planned release of Request for Proposals (RFP) for opioid settlement projects in May 2024

The joint meeting reviewed updates on local projects and funding but made no formal votes or approvals. Interim County Manager Crystal Smith reported that the Farmers Market Project cost was reduced from $4.56 million to $1,730,803, and this item will be brought back to the Warren County Board on May 6, 2024. Discussions covered Trillium services, opioid settlement strategies, and how ARPA funds were used by the County and towns.

• Farmers Market Project cost updated to $1,730,803; item tabled for May 6, 2024 meeting
• No formal votes or approvals recorded during joint meeting

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss several action items, including a landfill equipment purchase and the termination of a Warren County Airport lease. The meeting also includes updates on the Brownfields Program and the NC GREAT Grant.

• Landfill Transfer Station Marathon Waste Compactor replacement not to exceed $188,673
• Warren County Airport Lease Agreement termination
• Quitclaim Deed for Ridgeway Baptist Church Cemetery ownership
• Authorization to dispose of surplus property via online auction
• Re-appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council

The Board of Commissioners approved several infrastructure and property actions, including a landfill compactor replacement and the termination of an airport lease. The Board also approved a Quitclaim Deed for the Ridgeway Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery and several board re-appointments.

• Approved Landfill Transfer Station Marathon Waste Compactor replacement up to $188,673 (unanimous)
• Approved termination of the Warren County Airport Lease Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Quitclaim Deed clarifying ownership of Ridgeway Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to declare surplus property and authorize online auction disposal (unanimous)
• Approved placement of Frank Newell plaque at Warren County Recreation Center (unanimous)
• Approved re-appointments of Hilda Baskerville and Marion Richards to Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (unanimous)
• Approved re-appointments of Julian Alford, Julius Mann, and Carroll Harris to Board of Equalization and Review (unanimous)
• Tabled re-appointment of Cathy Alston-Kearney until May 2024 meeting

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed text amendments to the Industrial Stormwater Ordinance and a new special use permit for schools in light industrial districts. The board will also vote on several infrastructure contracts, including engineering services for the Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension and a Regional Elevated Storage Tank project. Additionally, the board will consider purchasing body camera equipment for the Sheriff's Office and approving a grant from the North Carolina Railroad Company.

• Public hearing on Industrial Stormwater Ordinance amendments and school use in light industrial zones
• Contract with Rivers & Associates, Inc. for $326,000 for Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension engineering
• Contract with Rivers & Associates, Inc. for $159,500 for Regional Elevated Storage Tank engineering
• Purchase of body camera equipment for the Sheriff's Office not to exceed $134,160
• Approval of $500,000 North Carolina Railroad Company Build Ready Sites Grant Award

The Board approved several grant-funded projects including sewer extensions and body camera equipment. Zoning changes were passed to allow school use in light industrial districts and update stormwater requirements. The Board also awarded a $950,738 bridge contract to Pipeline Utilities.

• Approved $950,738 Bridge 126 contract to Pipeline Utilities (unanimous)
• Approved $326,000 Eaton's Ferry Sewer Extension contract to Rivers & Associates (unanimous)
• Approved $159,500 Regional Elevated Storage Tank contract to Rivers & Associates (unanimous)
• Approved $134,160 for Sheriff's Office body cameras from Versaterm Public Safety US, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved zoning amendment allowing school use by special use permit in light industrial districts (unanimous)
• Approved text amendments to Industrial Stormwater Requirements (unanimous)
• Approved $500,000 NC Railroad Company Build Ready Sites Grant with 40% match (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 compensation increase for Interim County Manager (unanimous)

General

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will vote on Budget Amendment #4, which allocates over $800,000 in state and federal grant funds to the Sheriff’s Department, Community Center, Health Department, and Emergency Management. The Board will also consider purchasing 40 portable radios from Motorola for $154,396.40 and re-appointing Tax Administrator John Preston. Additionally, the Board will hear a presentation on a proposed EPA Community Change Grant application to build an Environmental Justice center on a brownfield site.

• Budget Amendment #4: Appropriates $500,000 to Sheriff’s Dept, $194,000 to Community Center, $60,000 to Health Dept, and $45,749 to Emergency Management from state/federal grants
• Purchase of 40 APX 4000 MHZ Portable Radios from Motorola Communications not to exceed $154,396.40
• Re-appointment of Tax Administrator John Preston to a two-year term ending January 31, 2026
• Presentation on EPA Community Change Grant application for a Warren County Environmental Justice and grassroots leadership center
• Appointment of Library Director and Emergency Services Director

The Board of Commissioners approved Budget Amendment #4 to allocate grant funds and operational expenses. Several key leadership positions were filled, including the Library and Emergency Services directors. The Board also authorized the purchase of portable radios for the Sheriff's Office.

• Approved Budget Amendment #4 including $500,000 state grant for Sheriff's Department (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 40 portable radios for Sheriff's Office not to exceed $154,396.40 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Taneka Alston as Library Director at $73,500 salary (Unanimous)
• Appointed Chris Tucker as Emergency Services Director at $78,850 salary (Unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Services Assistant Director position and appointed Chris Pegram at $73,500 (Unanimous)
• Re-appointed John Preston as Tax Administrator for a two-year term (Unanimous)
• Approved Joint Supplemental Application for Needs-Based Public Schools Capital Funds FY 23-24 (Unanimous)
• Approved proclamation declaring February 2024 as Black History Month (Unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to identify budget priorities for fiscal year 2025. The session includes reviews of the Capital Improvement Plan, mid-year financial performance, and organizational needs for public safety and health services.

• Proposed $5 million for a water elevated storage tank in FY25
• Proposed $4 million for a Littleton sewer line in FY25
• Proposed $600,000 for EMS Satellite Facility #5 in FY25
• Proposed $200,000 for Farmers Market facility and fairgrounds site in FY25
• Estimated $170,333 increase in health insurance premiums for FY25

Board of Commissioners

The Warren County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education are meeting to discuss school performance and capital improvements. The session includes a review of school condition assessments and FY25 budget priorities.

• District and school performance update from Superintendent Sutton
• Schools Condition Assessment findings
• Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund FY23-24 Supplemental Grant application
• FY25 budget priorities discussion

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a broadband update from Spectrum and consider several budget amendments for the FY 2024 budget. The body is also deciding on staffing increases for Medicaid expansion and various resolutions for water and sewer project funding.

• Budget Amendment #3 including $233,862 for Warren County Schools Capital Outlay
• Request for $75,000 Rural Transformation Grant for 429 West Ridgeway Street Farmers Market Pavilion
• Resolutions for state loan/grant assistance for Lead Service Line Inventory for the County Water System
• Resolutions to accept funds for Eaton Ferry Sewer Project and Kerr Lake Regional Water System
• Proposed on-call pay for Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services employees

The Board of Commissioners approved Budget Amendment #3 and authorized funding for water, sewer, and library upgrades. The Board also approved additional staffing for the Department of Social Services and several board appointments.

• Approved Budget Amendment #3 (unanimous)
• Approved $126,000 for Memorial Library Direct Digital Control Replacement (unanimous)
• Approved additional DSS staff due to Medicaid Expansion (unanimous)
• Approved on-call pay for CPS and APS employees (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions for lead service line inventory, Eaton Ferry Sewer, and Kerr Lake Regional Water System (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 grant request for 429 West Ridgeway Street Farmers Market Pavilion (unanimous)
• Approved employee Wellness Day to be used by June 30, 2024 (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Dr. Elton Brown and Cheryl Coffman to the Board of Health (unanimous)